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Human Reproduction, a scientific journal, has published research work carried out by Instituto Bernabeu that examines whether or not the number of mitochondrial DNA copies (mtDNA) in human embryos can affect pregnancy rates. The clinic is the first to have performed a comprehensive study of embryo mtDNA linked to IVF results analysing the quantity and quality of the mtDNA.

Instituto Bernabeu research has looked into reducing uterine hypercontractility prior to embryo transfer and if administering Atosiban helps patients with this issue. The results of the research work entitled ‘Treatment of uterine hypercontractility with Atosiban during embryo transfer’ were presented at the 1st National Congress of the Spanish Infertility and Sterility Society (SEISEGO).

Instituto Bernabeu researchers have presented experience of a clinical case that describes uterine incarceration, a very infrequent complication during pregnancy. They gave their presentation at the 1st National Congress of the Spanish Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (SEISEGO) that was held within the framework of the Spanish Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Congress (SEGO). Uterine incarceration occurs during pregnancy when the uterus becomes wedged into the pelvis. There are very few available described cases of this complex and serious condition that is difficult to diagnosis. As such, this study is a very valuable contribution towards improving our understanding of it and advising medical staff about when the symptoms arise.

Dr Rafael Bernabeu, Medical Director at Instituto Bernabeu, has participated in the 20th Intellectual Property and Innovation Congress. The event fosters development in various innovation-intensive industries and it is held at the University of Alicante campus in Calle San Fernando 40. The event is organised by the European Intellectual Property Institutes Network (EIPIN) and it brings together international experts from a wide range of fields of intellectual property, innovation and patents.

We have launched a new issue of Instituto Bernabeu corporate newsletter "IB Newsletter". Rafael Bernabeu Charitable Foundation opens the call for its scholarships for university students endowed with 45.000 euros. Students of Medicine, Nursing, Biology and Biotechnology of Universities from all over the country, that have brilliant trajectories and whose family income is an obstacle to continue their studies.

Azoospermia is one of the causes of male sterility. In order to be able to retrieve spermatozoa in men with this condition, the man has to undergo techniques involving sperm aspiration from the epididymis or testicles, or a testicular biopsy. Although these techniques can be performed at any time and the samples can be cryopreserved for use in the future, with our patients we generally aim to synchronise the procedure with oocyte retrieval. When we do so, the procedure can be performed the day before or the same day as the ovarian puncture that is used to retrieve oocytes from the female partner. Researchers at Instituto Bernabeu carried out a study to find out which of the two days chosen for testicular spermatozoa retrieval gave the best clinical results. The research work was presented to the 1st National Congress of the Spanish Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (SEISEGO) that was held within the framework of the Spanish Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Congress (SEGO).

A team of gynaecologists, embryologists, molecular biologists and biologists at Instituto Bernabeu has carried out research to determine if there is an increased number of monozygotic twin pregnancies following transfer when an embryo biopsy during the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6 of development) has been performed. The twins come from a single ovum or single spermatozoon and they have the same genetic make-up. Pregnancies of this kind are also linked to various perinatal complications.

Instituto Bernabeu has presented research work analysing the clinical results obtained in an oocyte donor programme following random-start ovarian stimulation in comparison with conventional ovarian stimulation to the Sterility and Infertility Section of the Spanish Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (SEISEGO). Researchers at the reproductive medicine clinic discovered that there are no significant differences between the results and they highlight that this is an advantage for commencing treatment and synchronising the donor and recipient.

Embryo aneuploidies are one of the main causes of failure during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. Most of the errors that lead to embryos with chromosomal abnormalities have a maternal origin and numerous studies suggest that the mother’s age is a decisive factor. Instituto Bernabeu research work that was presented at the 1st National Congress of the Spanish Infertility and Sterility Society (SEISEGO) has gone a step further. It questions if ovarian stimulation can have an impact on embryo chromosomal abnormalities.

The Spanish Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics has published a master’s degree dissertation written by Instituto Bernabeu biologist, Rafael Sellers. The research work entitled ‘Clinical outcomes in elective vitrification of embryos’, was managed by the Director of the Embryology Unit, Dr Jorge Ten.

Instituto Bernabeu was present at the 1st Spanish Sterility and Infertility Congress (SEISEGO) that was held within the framework of the Spanish Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (SEGO) event. Dr Rafael Bernabeu, Medical Director of the reproductive medicine clinic, is the society’s vice president and, as a prominent expert in the field, he opened the congress by moderating the first round table debate entitled ‘Updates in the basic analysis of the sterile partner’ along with Ana Belén Rodríguez.

Dr Andrea Bernabeu, a gynaecologist at Instituto Bernabeu, has assessed the most significant clinical data presented to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) congress and their importance.

Research is our lifeline. Each and every step is an accomplishment in prognosis for patients who have all the odds against them. In its October edition, Human Fertility, the prestigious scientific magazine mentioned research work undertaken exclusively by Instituto Bernabeu scientists that opens the doors to accelerating diagnosis in patients who have experienced implantation failure and recurrent pregnancy loss. It also helps prognosis with a view to providing early treatment for these patients.

The Rafael Bernabeu Welfare Foundation participated in the 4th edition of the National Rare Diseases Congress held in Ibi, a municipality of Alicante, on 30th and 31st October. It addressed the role of assisted reproduction treatment in avoiding transmission of genetic disorders. The congress aims to give people with rare diseases and experts in the field visibility, as well providing a forum for sharing information and analysis.

Dr Andrea Bernabeu, a gynaecologist at Instituto Bernabeu, participated in the ‘Family Medicine: the present, the past and the future’ symposium held on 26th October. It was organised within the framework of the 36th National Congress of Medicine Students (CNEM), 14th international edition, held in Alicante between 24th and 26th October. This collaboration falls within the framework of the Instituto Bernabeu and Miguel Hernández University (UMH) Chair of Reproductive and Community Medicine. One of the main objectives of the Chair is to ensure primary prevention of infertility and to provide general practitioners, gynaecologists and the general population with information on fertility.

Instituto Bernabeu actively participated in the workshops on reproductive medicine held in Castilla La Mancha, Albacete, on 19th and 20th October. The workshops were sponsored by Ferring. The aim was to share knowledge and latest updates. Lydia Luque, a gynaecologist and head of the clinic in Albacete, presented the event. It involved participation by doctors and biologists from 4 private clinics as well as an additional four specialist hospitals located in the Castilla La Mancha area that have human reproduction departments. “The aim was to review, refresh and share knowledge in order to progress, improve processes and improve management,” summarises Dr Luque.

Andrea Bernabeu, a gynaecologist at Instituto Bernabeu, coordinated the Personalisation and Individualisation of Reproductive Medicine Treatment workshop held in Valencia. Dr Bernabeu was part of a group of experts who participated in the 3rd edition of the Clinical Workshops on Reproductive Medicine. Specialists from different clinics shared their knowledge and updates based on scientific and clinical evidence. The aim was to improve approaches to patients.

The President of the Rafael Bernabeu Foundation and Medical Director of Instituto Bernabeu presented six scholarships for a total amount of 15,000 euros to students with excellent academic results and limited financial resources in order to help them continue with their studies. Within the framework of its commitment to society, the Rafael Bernabeu Foundation awarded scholarships worth 2,500 euros each to six medicine, nursing and biotechnology university students in order to cover the cost of fees and study material.

Instituto Bernabeu once again participated in the Congress of Pharmacy Students (CEFA). It held its 14th edition this year. Future pharmacists got to know the Instituto Bernabeu clinic headquarters in Alicante and gained first-hand knowledge of the role that pharmacists play in assisted reproduction treatment.

In addition to its patient treatment, healthcare and research work, teaching is part of Instituto Bernabeu’s DNA. This month, Instituto Bernabeu will participate in a postgraduate course run by Castilla La Mancha University for pelvic floor specialists. The course is aimed at physical medicine and rehabilitation experts in order to give them a comprehensive view of pelvic floor pathologies.

Instituto Bernabeu and the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Castilla La Mancha (UCLM) are organising the 3rd edition of the Master’s Course in Male Infertility that will be given at UCLM and at the reproductive medicine clinic. The aim is to broaden knowledge of reproductive medicine and the focus will be on the issues that men have when trying to conceive and the fact that this factor is equally as significant as infertility in women.

Dr Joaquín Llácer, an expert in ovarian reserve and Co-Director of Instituto Bernabeu, and Dr Ángela Llaneza, a gynaecologist and specialist in epidemiology at Instituto Bernabeu, participated in the 2nd Symposium on Controversies in Reproduction and Perinatal Medicine held on 27th and 28th September in the San Carlos Clinical Hospital in Madrid.

The Instituto Bernabeu is helping out once again this year in the University Master’s on Community Pharmacy Direction and Management & Optimization of Pharmaceutical Care organised by the Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH). Doctor Andrea Bernabeu has taken part in this fourth edition that deals with aspects related to pregnancy and maternal-child health with theoretical and practical classes. In addition to the classrooms this year, there is a new showroom laboratory that has been fitted out like a real pharmacy so that the students can get some hands-on experience. The personal assistant of the Instituto Bernabeu, Tamara Ruiz.

Instituto Bernabeu and the University of Alicante (UA) will manage the 7th edition of the Master's Course in Reproductive Medicine for the 2018-2019 academic year. The aim is to provide experts from the world of health sciences with excellent and comprehensive training in the field of reproductive medicine.

What is the impact of the father’s age on his child’s health? This question was the backbone of the professional gathering that took place on 13th September in the Instituto Bernabeu auditorium, Alicante.

Instituto Bernabeu has submitted three items of research work to the French Federation of Reproduction Studies (FFER) Congress that will be held in the French city of Lyon between 12th and 14th September. The event will bring together over 600 experts from all over the world who will exchange information on the latest updates in fertility and reproduction.

Research performed by Instituto Bernabeu has looked into whether fresh transfer or deferred transfer through cryopreservation followed by defrosting is the best strategy for carrying out pre-implantation genetic diagnosis for aneuploidies (PGT-A).

As a part of our continuous training programme, an intensive theoretical and practical seminar entitled ‘Advanced Workshop in Embryo Biopsy: Techniques and tips for usage’ will take place. The workshop is aimed at reproduction biologists who are specialised in micro-handling techniques.

During assisted reproduction treatment, conventional ovarian stimulation is performed over the first few days of the menstrual cycle. However, recent research shows that it can begin on any day of the menstrual cycle. The advantage is a decrease in the total time before treatment can begin. During the research, the oocyte retrieval results using the two strategies were similar.

Instituto Bernabeu has carried out research work with the aim of understanding if it is possible to predict the success of a cycle of egg donation by analysing two parameters: the number of mature donated oocytes obtained following ovarian stimulation and the quantity that are eventually fertilised.

Based on the positive results obtained, research performed by Instituto Bernabeu in Albacete entertains attempting ovarian stimulation in patients with low oocyte retrieval levels. The strategy is a step taken prior to egg donation.

With the incorporation of genetic techniques, it has been possible to identify a greater number of microorganisms that cannot be analysed with a normal microbiological culture and that make up the vaginal microbiome. A powerful tool to identify the microbiome are the massive sequencing techniques. The analysis of the microbiome is important since, among other things, in the field of reproductive medicine it is possible to detect if there is a microorganism that can facilitate or hinder the implantation of the embryo.

A study performed in the molecular biology and genetics laboratory at Instituto Bernabeu, IB Biotech, and submitted to the Spanish Fertility Society (SEF) congress has concluded that there is an increased risk of embryo abnormalities in chromosomal segments in young women.

Research carried out by Instituto Bernabeu has concluded that the use of heparin, an anticoagulant drug, improves prognosis in courses of in vitro fertilisation treatment (IVF) and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) in patients who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss or repeated implantation failure.

Instituto Bernabeu has submitted research work managed by Belén Lledó, Director of the clinic's Genetics Unit, to the Spanish Fertility Society (SEF) congress. The research involved analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in embryos and its link to the success of in vitro fertilisation treatment (IVF).

Instituto Bernabeu has submitted research work to the 32nd Spanish Fertility Society (SEF) National Congress held in Madrid. The aim of the study is to gain an understanding of drugs under conditions that differ from authorised use for courses of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in patients with poor response, the frequency with which they are used in these cases and a review of the legal side to their administration. The research work is entitled: ‘Use of drugs under different conditions to those authorised within the framework of a course of in vitro fertilisation: a review of legal aspects and experience of use in patients with poor ovarian response.’

Parents' main aim in life is to ensure that their children are born healthy and that they, as parents, have the chance to ensure this happens. With this in mind, the Rafael Bernabeu Foundation makes its resources and research available so that people faced with health issues and also financial difficulties can try for children who are free of the illness they are carrying. The Rafael Bernabeu Foundation, Instituto Bernabeu's social wellness programme has, for many years, been offering preferential service when providing treatment for associations and social entities, including members of the Association in Support of the Mentally Ill of Alicante (Asociación Pro Discapacitados Psíquicos de Alicante, APSA).

‘Patients with poor ovarian response have a different distribution in the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSHR) genotype.’ This is the title of the research work that Instituto Bernabeu gynaecologist, Yasmina Ben-Aicha, presented at the Spanish Fertility Society (SEF) congress. The leading national infertility event’s scientific committee has accepted a total of 16 pieces of Instituto Bernabeu research work, 12 of which are oral presentations given by their lead authors.

The Instituto Bernabeu Group will once again attend the world's most significant reproductive medicine congress, both in terms of the work that is presented and in the number of specialists who attend.

Scientific research carried out by Instituto Bernabeu looked into the chances of a successful pregnancy using implanted embryos with chromosome mosaicism. It is a controversial issue because these embryos have a chromosomal abnormality in some cells and, until recently, these abnormalities were not detected. Thanks to current high-precision next-generation sequencing or NGS techniques and array-CGH during pre-implantation diagnosis for detecting aneuploidies, chromosomal abnormalities can be detected with precision in chromosome segments as well as in complete chromosomes.

Once again this year, Instituto Bernabeu was present at the 6th edition of the Mediterranean Forum, a national gathering organised by Merck under the title ‘Human Reproduction’ where gynaecologists learn about the latest in the field. The Director of the Reproduction and Genetics Guidance Unit at Instituto Bernabeu, Dr Andrea Bernabeu, was present at the event where exchanges on very latest in the field of reproductive medicine take place. Her presentation was on new forms of ovarian stimulation. The gynaecologist covered new approaches using personalised treatment, new protocols and new means of administering pharmaceutical drugs.

The group of clinic’s aim, as it travelled to France in order to hold an informative event, is to make Instituto Bernabeu known beyond our frontiers and open up new horizons to foreign patients who are unable to get pregnant naturally.

The 32nd edition of the Spanish Fertility Society (SEF) National Congress held in Madrid has handed the Instituto Bernabeu Group an award for its work entitled ‘Engagement of nursing staff in assisted reproduction treatment: what is patient opinion?’ under the communication promoted to presentation category. The award was given by the Scientific and Organisation Committee of the 7th edition of the National Nursing Congress that is held at the same time as SEF. The study in question was one of the 16 pieces of scientific research that Instituto Bernabeu presented at the leading national infertility congress. The clinic attends the congress every year and contributes work from its numerous fields of research.

The Medical Director at Instituto Bernabeu, Dr Rafael Bernabeu, recently participated in the Progress in Reproductive Medicine: Focus 2018 congress held in Italy. The event was held in Palermo, the Italian capital of science and life 2018, and it brought together leading international specialists in the field of reproductive medicine. His presentation was entitled ‘The potential of implanting mosaic embryos’ and it covered the next generation sequencing technique, the precision of which facilitates detection of embryos with mosaicism (they have cells with chromosomal abnormalities) and analysis of the chances that they have of implanting.

The medical codirector of Instituto Bernabeu, doctor Llácer, has participated in a masterclass in Greece attended by gynaecology professionals from across Europe. The expert on low ovarian reserve and director of the specific unit at Instituto Bernabeu spoke to his colleagues about the new personalized strategies for ovarian stimulation and subsequent handling in the obtaining of oocytes.

Rafael Bernabeu Charitable Foundation of Instituto Bernabeu, has celebrated the awards ceremony of the VIII Children's Drawing Contest on Motherhood. The reproductive medicine clinic Charitable Foundation, has presented the winners of the two categories, from 5 to 8 years and from 9 to 12 years with a diploma and a gift voucher of 300 euros, and with a diploma and a gift certificate of 100 euros to the two second places. The awards ceremony was held in the Sala Fnac Boulevard in Alicante and also another 16 children have received a diploma and a special gift.

As a part of our continuous training programme, an intensive theoretical and practical seminar entitled ‘Advanced Workshop in Embryo Biopsy: Techniques and tips for usage’ will take place. The workshop is aimed at reproduction biologists who are specialised in micro-handling techniques.

Instituto Bernabeu gynaecologist, Andrea Bernabeu, participated in the closing ceremony of the 3rd edition of the Community Pharmacy Management and Optimisation of Pharmaceutical Care Master's Degree at the Miguel Hernández University (UMH) in Elche, a course on which she has participated as a lecturer. The closing ceremony of the third edition and official inauguration of the fourth edition was held in the ADDA auditorium in Alicante. It coincided with the 8th edition of the National Congress of Community Pharmacists organised by SEFAC, the Spanish Society of Family and Community Pharmacies.

Instituto Bernabeu was present at the Italian Fertility, Sterility and Reproductive Medicine Society (SIFES) congress held in Riccione in Italy between 17th and 19th May. Paolo Cirillo, an Instituto Bernabeu gynaecologist, participated by giving two presentations at the gathering where experts in the field of infertility medicine meet.

Instituto Bernabeu took a total of 16 pieces of research work to the 32nd edition of the Spanish Fertility Society (SEF) National Congress. This is a significant quantity of work and, at the group of reproductive medicine clinics, research is an intrinsic part of its activity that is also put into practice during day-to-day provision of healthcare.

Eleven of the lines of research were presented as oral communications over the course of the event held between 16th and 18th May in Madrid’s convention centre where experts in reproductive medicine met.

The international congress entitled ‘A new approach to nursing in fertility’ held in the Instituto Bernabeu auditorium on 11th and 12th May brought together experts in infertility nursing from thirteen different countries. During the gathering, Dr Rafael Bernabeu, Medical Director at Instituto Bernabeu, highlighted the important role of nursing in reproductive medicine, a field in which Spain is a worldwide leader.

On 11th and 12th May, Instituto Bernabeu Alicante will organise a gathering of sixty experts in reproductive medicine nursing and auxiliary personnel with specialist skills in infertility. The most recent trends in this field will be covered in an international congress organised by Instituto Bernabeu and held in its headquarters in Alicante.

Juan Carlos Castillo, gynaecologist at the Instituto Bernabeu, has participated in a webinar (a talk given via internet in real time) offered by the English egg donation platform EggdonationFriends.com. The aim was to inform and respond to doubts sent by people around the world about infertility.

Thanks to the wonderful work carried out by Instituto Bernabeu in Alicante, I now have a wonderful and precious daughter. The best present of my life! Not so long ago, we celebrated her first birthday. She was born on 29th June, 2012. The quality, dedication and treatment I received at the clinic were amazing.